bridle
/ˈbɹaɪdəl/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 2.78 in modern English
9
Scrabble Score
6
Letters
2
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
A length of line or cable attached to two parts of something to spread the force of a pull, as the rigging on a kite for attaching line.
noun
A gesture expressing pride or vanity.
Example Sentences
- "[…] the horseman, who is the user of bridles and knows their use"
- "Let wisdom put a bridle on them before they are grown head-strong and unruly"
- "He bridled her mouth with a silkweed twist."
- "Savoy and Nice, the keys of Italy, and the citadel in her hands to bridle Switzerland, are in that consolidation."
- "Immigrant-rights and religious organizations bridled at the plan to favor highly skilled workers over relatives. (Houston Chronicle, 6/8/2007)"
Etymology
From Middle English bridel, from Old English brīdel, from Proto-West Germanic *brigdil, from Proto-Germanic *brigdilaz (“strap, rein”), equivalent to braid + -le.